On 25 July 1603 James VI of Scotland was crowned as King James I of England. However, although Scotland & England had a single king from 1603, political union between the kingdoms didn't occur until 1707.

One king, two crowns.

(well, in fact it was one king and THREE crowns since Ireland remained a separate kingdom in 1603!)

Which goes a long way towards explaining why the terminology surrounding the British Isles is so complicated!

@sempaiscuba I'm constantly seeing Brits (or whatever) correcting Americans online for using "English" and "British" in the wrong context. But seriously, this is one of the most complex Venn Diagrams an everyday schmoe will ever be expected to Grok.

Bonus question: Where exactly are the Scottish independence people trying to move themselves in this diagram? Do they even agree on a spot? I'm guessing the outer green one (but of course not in Ireland). Moving outside of there would require the services of a Superman or James Bond villain.

@T.E.D. Yes. I think the SNP would like to remove themselves completely, but I guess they'd settle for just being part of the British Isles.